Milan tempt Dalla Bona home

Milan AC today completed the signing of Italian midfield player Samuele Dalla Bona from Chelsea FC. No fee has been reported but the San Siro club have denied suggestions that the highly rated youngster Marco Donadel was offered in a swap deal.

Champions League loomsThe 21-year-old Dalla Bona, whose contract runs until 30 June 2007, will join his new team-mates - including former Atalanta BC youth-team colleague Massimo Donati - at Milan's training ground, Milanello, tomorrow. Milan are in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

Talented midfield playerAfter possible moves to Milan and Internazionale FC broke down last summer, Dalla Bona fought his way back as a regular in the Chelsea side a couple of months into the season. The talented midfield player has yet to make his debut in top-flight Italian football.

'Delighted to be back'"I am delighted to be back in Italy and in Italian football and above all with Milan," Dalla Bona said. "Milan have been interested in me for more than a year and that can only make you happy. I have spoken to my friend [Milan midfield player] Massimo Donati, who says he feels great here. I can't wait to see it all with my own eyes."

Six goals for ChelseaAt the age of just 17, in October 1998, the Italian Under-18 captain moved from Atalanta's junior side to England. He scored 16 goals in his first season for the reserves. Following his first-team debut in the Champions League against Feyenoord on 24 November 1999, he went on to make 55 appearances and score six league goals for Chelsea.

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